Here you go. Doubling as the “Whad’ja think?” and potentially (unless indicated otherwise) for publication in a future issue of “Captain Marvel.”
PAD
Here you go. Doubling as the “Whad’ja think?” and potentially (unless indicated otherwise) for publication in a future issue of “Captain Marvel.”
PAD
• 
PAD
This is by far one of the funniest issues during this run.
The scene of Rick theaching them their new National anthem had me rolling on the floor laughing.
But am I the only one who doesn’t know who Burstaar was? What issues had he appeared in before?
Well until next time.
Richard Kirby
348 Dogwood Lane
Danville, VA 24540
I loved it, couldn’t stop laughing. Rick Josnes as the interior designer was perfect.
What a wonderful moral to the story, though I’m sure you’re going to get complaints but not from me.
sorry about that PAD
Add
Jason Kuroshima
Toronto Canada
as the sig and fix that typo in Jones
thanks
quit it with the political statements. It’s why i stopped reading JLA. Granted that i hold a special place in my heart for you, Mr. David, since you singlehandedly got me into collecting comics, I still read comics for an escape from reality not to have you views crammed onto me. I get it already “Bush is EVIL & can’t do anything right”. There’s a reason i don’t read Noam Chomsky, & now there’s a reason i don’t think i’ll read Peter David. Sorry if i come of as abrupt, but there you have it. So long & thanks for the fish…
Kev Keefe
yea yea yea..
Media, PA 19063
C’mon already, Peter… you sound like a broken record! Real subtle message in your storyline! You’re turning into another George Carlin-an angry man masking his political views with comedy, and getting tunnel vision. But if you must use comics to voice your political opinions, do it with your own creator-owned comics and leave the Marvel and DC’s out of it. Yes, there are some of us that don’t agree with your political opinions-expressing it on your own website or your own creator-owned comic is one thing, but stop shoving it down our thoats with comics that belong to all of us-not just you.
I think you are all misinterpreting PAD’s political statement in CM #13. Sure, it may looks like another JLA #83-ish jeremiahad against the Bush administration. But that’s only surface. If you look at the story carefully, it’s clear that PAD is saying that anyone who disagrees with the Bush administration policy in Iraq would have to be a crazy person.
Captain Marvel’s allegorical embrace of (some of) the political left’s critiques of US’s post-war Iraq policy is clearly presented as yet another symptom of Genis-vell’s madness. Even Rick Jones (who agrees with Genis’ plan in this case) questions his actions, wondering if his link with Captain Marvel is starting to affect his own sanity. Keep in mind that this is the same Rick Jones who was uncharacteristically driven to kill a man the previous issue. Rick’s got problems of his own.
In the guise of an anti-Bush polemic, PAD has actually written a very dry and subtle satire of the “it’s been two months; let’s go home and leave the Iraqis to play in the ruins” isolationist left.
I really love dry and subtle satire.
Carl Henderson
nice parable it’s nice to see someone point out what a good thing freedom is, like say when europe liberated the americas from the savage native american infidels or when england liberated ireland from the evil catholics or again when europe liberated those godless canibals in africa and gave then nice plantation jobs in the new world.
freedom dose not = good or bad, for that mater, it = choice
The newest issue of Captain Marvel, issue 13, was a mixed bag for me. While I felt the beginning felt very heavy handed with the Bush symbolism, the story picked up after Genis showed up. The fact that he completely tried to turn everything around was the funnest part of the issue. Rick Jones playing along with everything also made this issue fun and special. I was able to see beyond the Bush bashing others might see this as.
I think the most important lesson in this issue is that people should learn from their experiences. The Magister is doomed because he is not willing to learn. This is a different message hiding in the form of an attack on Bush and company, which I enjoy.
I found this to be a good middle of the road issue. It is a fun read on the surface that can be interpreted multiple ways, which allows each of us to get something out of it, for good or ill.
Ronald Bryan
4424 Dawnwood Dr.
CHarlotte, NC 28212
‘Fraid this issue didn’t grab me nearly as much as the Coven storyline did. It wasn’t badly done by any means … but there weren’t a lot of the usual surprises either. Fairly early on, I thought “ah. Marv’s teaching them a lesson about ingratitude.” Sure ’nuff, that was the case.
Some cute moments, but this one came off to me as marking time. I’m eagerly looking forward to the “intervention”, though!
[Enjoyed the jabs at Bush, but I can certainly see where others might not…]
TWL
With everyone already talking about the Bush parallels, I thought I’d focus on something different – the “previously in” blurbs. I assume that PAD is writing these himself, because they’re just too dámņ funny to be anyone else. I read these few lines in Captain Marvel and whatever Priest is writing, and that’s it, because those seem to be the only ones where anyone is putting anything creative or fun.
Disappearing dancing elves indeed…
Two observations on Capt. Marvel #13.
The story’s a good send-up of imperialism in general. That particular species of bad behavior has probably been going on since Romans looked down their patrician noses at “barbarians.” In this century, look at the British colonial scheme, Soviet expansion and a few American adventures.
Neither the “Coven” story nor this one were really the Captain’s story, but he contributed to it as a catalyst for events. This formula worked pretty nicely for Eisner in “The Spirit,” and it’s working well here. Keep him crazy, PAD. A sentinel-of-the-spaceways would be boring by comparison.
Mitch Maltenfort
1700 Ben Franklin Parkway, #2217
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I miss the old series. The fun is virtually completely gone. Issue by issue I usually get the point Peter is trying to make but I’m not feeling entertained at the same time.
I loved the old series but I don’t currently care about any of the characters in the book.
The Magus obviously did something to Genis or got a piece of his soul or something when he appeared in the last series so please undo whatever he did quickly.
I assume Marvel is more to blame for this current approach to the book than Peter and also for the fact that this whole “insanity” storyline seems to be dragging on so that they can get their trade paperbacks out of the book.
I’m not quite ready to cut the book yet but I’m hoping for better things to come and characters I can care about and relate to in the not too distant future.
P.S. A crossover with the upcoming Thanos series by Starlin involving the Magus might not be such a bad idea if you were thinking about tieing up that loose end some time soon.
Worst issue yet. Ever since Marv went crazy my interest has been rapidly declining. I like reading about super heroes, not psychotic villains who happen to be the main character. This issue’s political statement was the final straw for me. I will not be picking Captain Marvel anymore
Dear PAD
Great Issue. Loved the art and loved the story. Keep up the good work.
Jason Wingert
P.O. box 239
Edenwold, Saskatchewan, Canada
s0g1k0
Hey PAD,
While I’ve enjoyed the Captain Marvel series since the day of Lorainne, the LAPD, and that wacky other “Captain Marvel”, all I can say is that while the past year has been different enough, I’m ready to get back to the zaniness that made the book a Wizard Must Read. I miss that, alot. I also didnt really care for the paper thin parallels of this issue to the whole Bush/Iraq thing. Reguardless of how I feel about the situation of Iraq, it’s not something I want to, or expect to see brought up in a comic book, and I’m talking either point of view. Now lets get back to what made Captain Marvel such a friggin great read: the insanity of life around Genis, not his own!
Waiting to see what happened to Marlo and Moondragon,
Rob Johnston
XManRCJ@aol.com
> In this century, look at the British colonial scheme, Soviet expansion
Technically, they were last century these days 🙂
& Nice Issue. Enjoyed it
Great issue- very funny. Another nice parable commenting on current events, which of course will bother some people who don’t want to be confronted by reality. Being a superhero comic, I can sort of see their point, but I also believe it’s good to get important issues out in the open for discussion, no matter the forum. And what better way then through a fun, entertaining story?
This issue was the funniest Captain Marvel I’ve seen from the new series. This really carried a different feel compared to the first 12 or so that came before (y’know what I mean, the serious stuff). And really my favorite portion that isn’t entirely connected to the story is the dancing pixies at my fee (who are still there by the way, since I didn’t fall for the gag).
In closing, good job on a little fun, satirical romp through Captain Marvel.
Cheers
All I can say is that I’m eager for the wrap up of the “Captain Marvel is insane” storyline. I enjoyed the book before Genis went nuts and if the end of the current storyline wasn’t in sight I would have to seriously consider dropping the book. Of course, with your penchant for doing the unexpected, just because Genis might not be insane anymore doesn’t mean a return to the status quo.
Doug Hancock
Cincinnati, OH
Dear PAD and company,
This book definitely made me wonder is Genis is really as crazy as he has been leading everyone to believe. Is there a method to his madness? Possibly, and I think that method is this is that by pretending his mind is gone, Genis has the perfect way to shirk off some of the burden of his father’s legacy.
Each issue of this Captain Marvel series has been an improvement, and since Coven started, this series has been just as good as its predecessor. Different, but still very good.
I liked some of the real world parallels in this issue, and they weren’t all that heavy handed. Just subtle little in-jokes, and I always love when a writer is able to pull political satire off while still telling an excellent story.
Awesome issue, thanks PAD!
Michael Maillaro
31 Ash Terrace
Parlin, NJ 08859
Dear PAD and company,
The elves! The elves are back! Help.
Sincerely,
Rick Jones
Charlotte, NC
PS Aside from the problem of the proliferating elves, the latest issue of CM was quite entertaining. Sure, some people might complain about the injectino of real-world allegory into the pages of comic books, but, historically, those pages have always been host to relatively current events. I quite enjoyed displayes of humor in the issue, harkening back as it does to the previous issue. However, the apparent ease with which Marv allays Rick’s fears of mental subversion do not bode well for my namesake. I’d also like to congratulate the colorist, Sotomayer, on the excellent job he’s been doing. The face that the book looks so consistently beautiful through three different artists, speaks well of the great coloring job. Keep up all the good work.
Yeah at first I was thrown by the political overtones…but also the comic was dámņ funny…so I can argue with the way it was done. So I have to say…funny funny book.
Hey.. finally a good issue. First issue of this volume where I didn’t wish for a paper shreader for christmas. Hope we’ll see more of this.
Dear Mr. PAD
Captain Marvel 13 was the single most enjoyable Comic I’ve read this year. The tone was a perfect blend of political satire and superhero action. I think the moral lesson exemplified transcends any possibly intended Bushism, but rather takes aim at any self-righteous empiric regime (and if one happens to think the current United States Government fits the bill, so be it, but I think this is up to each individual’s interpretation). Much like the original ‘Star Trek’, this issue’s use of veiled current affairs makes it a perfect sign-of-the-times, and it is my hope that future historians will be able to use this issue (as well as politically-themed issues like JLA #83) as part of a greater pop-cultural barometer.
To all the nay-sayers who might complain about real-world events being represented in comics I say this: political commentary is nothing new to comics, see 40’s wartime themes, 50’s cold war anti-commie diatribes, 60’s hippy-or-Viet Nam debates, 80’s Cold War Russians with Nukes antics, etc. Comics (like most mass media) have always been a lens through which the real-world can be interpreted. PAD has just given it a good polish.
A truly spectacular Issue!
Not sure what was so ‘gay’ about Rick’s tribal-themed d
I liked the cover. Captain Marvel posing with a gun… haven’t seen that in a while.
Didn’t like this issue at all. My problem is not that Peter covered a current event, but that he showed it in such a black & white, right or wrong manner when it actually is all shades of grey. This comic issue was so biased that I can’t support this book anymore.
Courtney Hunt
San Jose, CA
I just wanted to post this here as well as the Captain Marvel Board.
> Your post seems fairly reasoned, but I’m seeing lots of folks stomping about howling, “He’s making fun of Bush!” Why? Apparently because they’re under the impression that the current situation in Iraq is the very first time that something like this has happened in the course of human history. And all they’re doing is proving the main message of the entire story: People never learn.
>
> PAD
Well, I think the reason why we are staying in Iraq this time is because we did learn that we can’t just go in half way and expect things to change. I agree there is a fine line there and we have a clash of civilizations and ideologies, but when all is said and done, we got rid of a butcher of his own people. No one else was willing to step in except us. If we didn’t, countries would complain. We do go in, countries complain. We really were in a no-win situation and we have to be more proactive to stop future violence, it seems. We are the world police by default because we are the only “super power” left in the world. There was a similar story in “Saving Private Ryan” where they didn’t take out the german soldier and he came back and killed some of our guys. I see that as a powerful story as well.
but when all is said and done, we got rid of a butcher of his own people.
As well as thousands of civilans, and hundreds of “coalition” soldiers.
And things are still far from “said and done”. 🙁
I’ve been reading “Captain Marvel” since the previous #1, and I like the current storyline. One particular benefit is that Genis is now legitimately entitled to call himself “Captain Marvel”, rather than just assuming the rank.
Looking specifically at the most recent issue (#13), I saw an obvious parallel between the first few pages and the current situation in Iraq. Personally, I think that rebuilding a country’s infrastructure is a good reason to stick around, but it didn’t really bother me that the story seemed to be taking the opposite position.
Was the comment about Burstaar breaking his own neck a deliberate nod to “Dark Knight Returns”, or just a coincidence?
When Rick was questioning Genis’ influence over him, I initially misread that panel as “Rick is seeing a big smiley face instead of Genis”. While that wasn’t actually the case, it’s an interesting effect, given the implications of what’s happening at a subconscious level.
Speaking of panels that made me do a double-take, I barely recognised Genis when he was lying in bed. Thinking back, it’s pretty rare to see him out of costume/uniform (has he ever worn casual clothes?), and it’s also rare to see his face without the starfield effect or a helmet blocking it. Given that it’s his comic, this seems quite unusual…
I really liked the scenes where Genis and Rick were setting up new rules. Mind you, I am slightly embarrassed that I didn’t realise what they were doing – I just ascribed it to Mar-Vell’s lunacy. Thinking back to previous issues, he does generally have a point that he’s trying to make, although whether it’s a valid point is a separate question. When the motivation was finally made explicit, it did actually cause me to stop and think about my own position. My opinions haven’t necessarily changed, but this has given me a better insight into a different point of view.
So, overall, a comic that made me laugh and made me think. I look forward to the next issue.
John C. Kirk
15 Franklin Square, London, W14 9UU. England.
Dear Captain Marvel,
Wow, PAD and the Captain really make it happen, eh? Let me tell you something, Marv — I can’t get over the way you manage to put your little cosmic nose up into everyone else’s business (including a few galatic star empires lately) and still manage to come off as totally cool as you do. Of course, with your cosmic awareness on your side, you probably knew exactly what to say to make your fans laugh, right? I knew it! Wait… does that mean that I’m cosmically aware too?! Ahhhh!
I suppose I should go now, but until you endorse your own breakfast cereal, Make Mine Marv!
Justin Larson
1206 N Purdom
Olathe, KS, 66061
I have to say that if I was suprised to find that you support us going into Iraq. That is of course if the issue was about the situation in Iraq. A man stops a rampaging monster and decides to help the people he saved even further. When they exile him they soon regret it because he was much better than the unstoppable killing machine. Very interesting.
Your best ish since the relaunch…
Now if only you (and by you, I mean the Marvel brass) could bring back Marlo, Moondragon, and Lorraine. I know, wishful thinking here.
While I have enjoyed the insane Captain Marvel story – I must say I really really enjoyed watching Rick and Genis work together. I miss their back and forth. And I know they still talk – but I mean their back and forth when it was good natured.
Still – curious to see what happens to next to Marvel’s best crazy guy.
-Kevin Hines
1727 2nd Avenue Apr 3FN
NY, NY 10128
Prior to the “insanity” relaunch, Captain Marvel never made it into my must-read pile of weekly comics. I’m lovin’ it! Issue 13 was by far the funniest, and it looks like changes or refinings are definitely looming on the horizon. If only you had a little more Doom in your stories…
Chris Grillo
9151 S Shartel Apt 204
Oklahoma City OK 73139
I can’t believe so many people are criticizing issue #13?!
NEWSFLASH : It’s a friggin’ comic book! Nothing is more annoying than self important , over analytical,whining and complaining comic book nerds who ridicule everything that doesn’t flow with thier own vision of what “this title” should be.I’m as much of a comic book traditionalist as anybody. I own a complete run of the original Captain Mar-vell and I love the new direction..Sure..one day Genis will return to his normal self and we’ll all have the Genis we know and love back but until then let’s just enjoy the ride. For several years i’ve tried to get my best friend to start reading comics and for years i have FAILED …until i told him about Captain Marvel going crazy and his new twisted world view. Now he reads it on a monthly basis. Oh and Peter ..You were right. Captain Marvel is almost always sold out in the local stores and none of them have yet to adjust thier ordering to meet the demand. Issue #13 was one of the best issue’s yet. I think the political commentary was well done and the point that was made was a strong one. Ignore the critics and keep writing the things you want to write about! Captain Marvel is the best book on the market…keep it that way.
I love your story telling skills and your sensitivity. However, a political screed I can read for free on the internet I do not expect to have to purchase. I discontinued the JLA for the same reason and now, sadly, I will no longer purchase Captain Marvel.
It’s not fair in such complex times with all members involved living to render such simple allegories condemning so many in such a broad fashion.
Peace and best wishes. You are a very skilled and talented writer. I hope to sample your work again on another comic, but not Captain Marvel.
but when all is said and done, we got rid of a butcher of his own people.
As well as thousands of civilans, and hundreds of “coalition” soldiers.
As one Iraqi dissident put it, however many civilians were killed, it would be less than hussein would have killed in a couple of months. The number of coalition forces killed is in the tens, not hundreds.
And things are still far from “said and done”. 🙁
After Baghdad fell, Jim Treacher came up with some bumper stickers for the ant-war folks. One of my favorites was “But everything isn’t instantly perfect.” (Followed by “Maybe those kids deserved to be in prison. Did you ever think about that?”)
The ones doing the killing aren’t ordinary Iraqi people. They’re the same Fedayeen and Baathists who’ve terrorized the country for decades. That’s why they attack power plants and water facilities. They want to have a repeat of Somalia, with the US pulling out or ceding control to the UN. Then they can get back into power. 90% of the population is afraid that’s what’ll happen. Here’s a link an actual Iraqi blogger after the UN bombing: http://makeashorterlink.com/?O643518B5
> Your post seems fairly reasoned, but I’m seeing lots of folks stomping about howling, “He’s making fun of Bush!” Why? Apparently because they’re under the impression that the current situation in Iraq is the very first time that something like this has happened in the course of human history. And all they’re doing is proving the main message of the entire story: People never learn.
>
> PAD
That’s exactly right. This same thing happened right after the end of WWII, when Nazis calling themselves “werewolves” carried out a guerrilla campaign. It lasted until 1947. Here’s how today’s quagmire alarmists would have described it: http://www.interglobal.org/weblog/archives/002843.html#002843
Well, I think the reason why we are staying in Iraq this time is because we did learn that we can’t just go in half way and expect things to change. I agree there is a fine line there and we have a clash of civilizations and ideologies, but when all is said and done, we got rid of a butcher of his own people. No one else was willing to step in except us. If we didn’t, countries would complain. We do go in, countries complain. We really were in a no-win situation and we have to be more proactive to stop future violence, it seems. We are the world police by default because we are the only “super power” left in the world. There was a similar story in “Saving Private Ryan” where they didn’t take out the german soldier and he came back and killed some of our guys. I see that as a powerful story as well.
It looks like even Howard Dean agrees with you: http://www.instapundit.com/archives/011219.php
Regarding the “werewolves”, this article says that no American soldiers were killed in Germany after the end of World War II:
http://slate.msn.com/id/2087768/
**Regarding the “werewolves”, this article says that no American soldiers were killed in Germany after the end of World War II:
http://slate.msn.com/id/2087768/**
But they did exist, even after the massive damage inflicted on Germany. The Fedayeen had been in place for years, and there was no version of the Dresden bombing in Iraq. There wasn’t even much damage in the Sunni triangle, where most of the attacks are taking place. There’s also the present day example of Somalia to give them encouragement. Just kill around 18 Americans and they leave.
I can’t believe all the bìŧçhìņg about how PAD is expressing his political views in CM. He’s a writer, and as a writer he has to write what’s interesting to HIM first… would all of you rather have him write what Bill Jemas wants him to write?? Jesus, you people, I swear….
Funny as heck. Don’t let the negative comments get to you Peter, this is one of your finest work.
You have my gratitude. (heh)
Leo